(CMR) The Leader of the Opposition, Ezzard Miller (North Side), held a press conference this morning where he stated that former Deputy, Alva Suckoo (Newlands), had not been entirely forthcoming about how his resignation was tendered.
Miller left his comments about the resignation to the end of the lengthy press conference where he read a prepared statement on the matter and then answered media questions after. Miller indicated that Suckoo tendered his resignation essentially because he wanted to take over the leadership role. He maintains, however, that Suckoo had no unanimous support of the other opposition members; despite appearing with several of them on a radio talk show program on Friday.
In his comments he shared that he had requested a meeting with Suckoo to discuss him playing a more active role as deputy. However, he was met instead with Suckoo questioning his leadership ability within in the group. Miller noted that he indicated to Suckoo that if the other members were in agreement and would all put that in writing he would immediately tender his resignation to the governor. However, in what appears to be a political power play, the other members have not formally committed to any position at this time.
Miller further stated that his resignation letter was “discovered … on my desk on the morning of March 19”. He then made attempts to convince the member to remain but was unsuccessful in doing so.
Miller went on to confirm that he is in the planning stages of creating a new group called “The Cayman Islands People’s Alliance” (CIPA). He claims that the initial idea for this organization materialized shortly after the outcome of the last general election in 2017 stating:
“The opposition group acknowledged the need for a formal organization to ensure the necessary disciple and cohesion in advance of the next general election.”
Reluctant to call it a political party he did indicate that he intends to propose an entire field of candidates for the 2020 general election and anyone not with CIPA can expect to have their seat challenged.
There has been some discussion on the marl road that the other members of the opposition were not aware that the New Year statement from the Leader of the Opposition would include publicly divulging the pending formation and launch of the CIPA. Some members have expressed off the record to CMR that they felt it was prematurely done and more internal discusses needed to first take place.
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